JOE MARLER WILL start on the bench when England aim to end a 13-year wait for a Grand Slam against France in Paris on Saturday night (8.00pm).
The Harlequins prop has been named among the replacements as Eddie Jones bids to end his first Six Nations campaign as England head coach with a crucial fifth victory at the Stade de France.
Marler was cleared to play yesterday after disciplinary officials decided to take no action against him for striking Rob Evans and calling Samson Lee a “gypsy boy” during separate incidents in England’s 25-21 win against Wales on Saturday. Marler’s place in the starting line-up will be taken by Mako Vunipola.
England, who have already secured the Six Nations championship, have made one other change to their side, with Danny Care taking the place of Ben Youngs at scrum-half.
England (v France)
15. Mike Brown
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Owen Farrell
11. Jack Nowell
10. George Ford
9. Danny Care
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Dylan Hartley (captain)
3. Dan Cole
4. Maro Itoje
5. George Kruis
6. Chris Robshaw
7. James Haskell
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Joe Marler
18. Kieran Brookes
19. Joe Launchbury
20. Jack Clifford
21. Ben Youngs
22. Manu Tuilagi
23. Elliot Daly
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Harsh on Marx after his monster game on Sat but Vermuelen offers similar poaching. Likely that Marx will come at 16 around the time Vermuelen will come off.
Otherwise strong team though surely there’s a better winger available than Kriel who’s a 13?